Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher - Junior Scientist WP1

Job Field: Science and research, molecular biology and medicine

Junior scientist to study RNA modifications and search for RNA-based technological applications

Central European Institute of Technology of Masaryk University (CEITEC MU)

Brno, Czech Republic | www.ceitec.eu

About the position:

Applications are invited for a 3-year junior research position in Prof. Mgr. Richard Štefl PhD research group to join the RNA4T project - RNA for Therapy, reg. number CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004575,” in Programme Johannes Amos Comenius (Czech Republic - The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, co-funded by the European Union).

RNA4T is a collaborative project with the Weizmann Institute, Israel; the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EU; the University of Edinburgh, UK, and other relevant partners.

Richard Štefl, holder of an ERC Consolidator grant, has long experience leading research teams and is a leading expert in protein-RNA interactions and structural biology. The Stefl lab is affiliated with the National Centre of Biomolecular Research at Central European Institute of Technology Masaryk University.

We use an integrated structural biology approach to study interactions between proteins and RNAs to gain structural insights into the assembly and function of RNA processing and degradation machinery.

You will collaborate in Activities and tasks: 1.1.1 - Highly efficient T7 RNA polymerase, 1.3.1. - Design and study of RNA analogs to modulate nuclease activity in the cap-snatching mechanism by influenza polymerase and 1.3.2. - Design and study of RNA analogs to modulate helicase activity by human SETX to fulfill Objective 1.1 Development of methodology for synthesizing modified RNA. The specific focus will be the expression and characterization of mammalian RNA polymerase, SETX helicase, and other enzymes.

Requirements:

• PhD degree
• Strong expertise in at least one of the following specializations: molecular biology/biochemistry/organic chemistry/bioinformatics
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• Creative, practical lab experience
• Independence, accountability, and reliability
• Good communication and organizational skills

We offer:

• Young, enthusiastic, and progressive scientific team of biologists and biochemists
• An attractive salary and benefits package: 6 weeks of paid holiday, medical insurance, financial contribution to meal and kindergarten/pension scheme
• State-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities
• Background of a recognized and successful institution with a supportive and international working environment
• Environment promoting interdisciplinarity in research
• Support for further education and professional development
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities on the MU campus (genomic, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, imaging, live-cell imaging, biophysical interactions, CryoEM facility, etc.).
• Welcome Office service before arrival
• Grant Office service and support
• Postdoc Committee Association 
• CEITEC events – seminars, workshops, conferences, lectures, training, family gathering

Additional information:

Start date: The initial start date is January 1st, 2025, or upon agreement

Job type: full–time

Duration: initial full-time fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension 

Application deadline: 13.12.2024 or until the position is filled

Applications, including a CV, a brief motivation letter, and contacts for at least two references, should be sent via e-application.   

Any troubles with the e-application, please contact Petra Linhartova (petra.linhartova@ceitec.muni.cz)

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Please note that if you are not contacted within 5 weeks, we have preferred candidates who more closely meet the criteria. Thank you for your understanding.

CEITEC MU is a proud holder of the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. We were the first research institution in the Czech Republic to secure one of the top places in the Company of the Year: Equal Opportunities 2020 competition.

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For more information about the onboarding process, refer to a short video.